Inherent Biosciences

Inherent Biosciences, Inc. is a Salt Lake City, Utah-based biotechnology company developing diagnostics — and, longer term, therapeutics — based on epigenetics, the study of changes in gene expression (such as DNA methylation of cytosine bases) that do not alter the underlying DNA sequence. The company's platform applies AI and machine learning to large datasets of cellular DNA to identify epigenetic patterns that correlate with gene function, disease states and health outcomes. It describes gene dysregulation as a hallmark of complex disease and positions its platform as able to detect dysregulation across multiple genes and related pathways.

The company's initial focus is reproductive health, with stated indications including male infertility, sperm age, embryo quality, azoospermia and reproductive cancers. Its first commercial product, SpermQT, is marketed through Path Fertility, a division of Inherent Biosciences. SpermQT is an epigenetic sperm quality test intended to predict poor fertility outcomes not identified by standard semen analysis alone; it assesses gene function related to spermatogenesis and embryo development and classifies sperm as excellent, normal or abnormal quality, with those categories correlated to outcomes for IUI and IVF to help clinicians select treatment options. Beyond commercial diagnostics, the company provides scientific research consulting in biotechnology, biomedicine, genetics and epigenetics, including genetic mapping and testing for research purposes, and collaborates with academic research institutions on peer-reviewed research.

Inherent Biosciences describes itself as the first Utah company to commercialize a diagnostic in the epigenetics field. Its team combines molecular biologists, data scientists, healthcare providers and entrepreneurs, and it has also flagged on its website that fraudulent "at-home worker" hiring offers are being made in its name.

Business model

Inherent Biosciences commercializes laboratory diagnostic tests, selling its SpermQT epigenetic sperm quality test to patients and providers through its Path Fertility division. It supplements diagnostics revenue with scientific research consulting and partner-driven pharmaceutical research and development support, including genetic mapping and genetic testing for research purposes, and states an intent to develop therapeutics over time.

Traction

The company markets SpermQT commercially through the Path Fertility division and has raised Series A funding to scale commercial operations, expand its pipeline and generate additional data supporting inclusion of SpermQT in the standard of care. It has presented its work at scientific meetings, including announced podium presentations at the American Urological Association Annual Meeting 2022 and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine 2022 Congress & Expo, and publishes peer-reviewed research.

Latest developments

Inherent Biosciences announced Series A funding from an investor group led by Los Angeles-based Propel Bio Partners, with participation from Portfolia's FemTech II Fund, Alliance of Angels and individual patients, physicians and reproductive-healthcare executives. Proceeds are earmarked for pipeline expansion, scaling commercial operations, team growth and generating data to support adding SpermQT to the standard of care. Propel Bio managing general partner Leen Kawas, PhD, sits on the board of directors alongside Tia Newcomer (CaringBridge) and Saumitra Thakur, MD (MedMountain Ventures).